Promotions and new appointment announced as Barton Willmore strengthens South Coast team

Planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore has announced promotions and a new appointment as it continues to strengthen its south coast team.

Planners Luke Vallins and Jen Samuelson become Associates in recognition of their contribution to the firm’s success in the region since it opened in Southampton two years ago.

Meanwhile, the firm has welcomed Laura Archer to the team as a Planner. Laura is Chair of the South Coast Young Planners Network, was recently appointed as a Young Planner Trustee of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and is a committee member of Solent Women in Planning. She joins Barton Willmore from Adams Hendry Consulting.

The appointments follow the hiring of experienced planners Rachel Murrell and Jane Piper to the firm’s south coast consultancy team earlier this year.

The team works on an expanding portfolio of mixed-use, residential and commercial projects in Southampton and Portsmouth and across the wider Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex regions.

Robin Shepherd, Partner at Barton Willmore who leads the South Coast team, said: “Barton Willmore is committed to helping all our people progress to fulfil their potential. We promote from within wherever possible, and so we are pleased to announce these promotions for Luke and Jen which are well-deserved in the light of the huge part they have played in the success of our ever-growing team.

“The firm is also dedicated to recruiting a diverse range of new team members, including junior talent and female talent, and so we warmly welcome Laura as she begins her career with us. Laura is a rising star who has already gained considerable experience and recognition in the region for her energy and vision.”